Sports mom life — it’s not for the faint of heart. The long weekends, the endless practices, the money spent on gear that smells like it’s been marinating in a gym bag since 2012… it’s a full-time job on top of the one we already have. Of my four kids, I am a taxi driver for two to dance and hockey. 

But lately, I’ve been reminded that sports aren’t just about the wins, the stats, or the perfect plays, that perfect smile. They’re about the people our kids become through it all.

Recently, my son faced something tough — a suspension. It hit him hard. Harder than any loss, harder than any bad call. And honestly, as his mom, it hit me hard too. Did I think he deserved it? No. Did we try to advocate for him? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, we made the choice not to be those parents — you know, the ones threatening lawsuits, demanding ref reviews, or pulling titles. We let the pieces fall where they did.

He’s out for two games. He’s devastated. But here’s what I told him:

“Character isn’t built when everything goes your way — it’s built when life hands you something unfair, and you still choose to rise above it.”

We talk so much about “letting kids be kids,” but sometimes that means letting them fail, hurt, and rebuild. It means stepping back and letting coaches coach. It means remembering that sports are meant to build our children, not break them — and that sometimes the most important lessons happen off the field.

And parents — this part’s for us.

Let’s remember these are still kids. Some of them still believe in Santa and the tooth fairy and sleep with night lights. Professional scouts are not sitting in the stands. No scholarship or trophy is worth tearing down another child — or each other. Let the kids play. Let them learn. Let them love the game.

My Son- He’ll come out of this stronger.

Maybe a little humbler.

Definitely a little wiser.

And as his mom, I’ll be right there on the sidelines — cheering a little quieter, but prouder than ever. ❤️🏈 🏒🥅🩰🩰👯